Statement by Bishop Noel Treanor in Response to Cloyne Report

13. Jul, 2011

Statement by Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor in response to the publication of the Cloyne Report

We in Down and Connor acknowledge the publication this afternoon of the report into the abuse of children in the Diocese of Cloyne reflecting the failure to protect the most innocent in our society. No words of apology from me for the culture of self protection in the Irish Church at the expense of survivors of abuse can, in themselves, ease the pain of those who have suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the abuses of the past. Nevertheless, I apologise once again to all those who have suffered in any way.

This Report reminds us again of the need to remain vigilant and self critical to ensure that there can be no recurrence of these past disgraceful failings. The first duty of the Church now is to listen to the cry of survivors and help them to cope with the continuing pain with which they have been burdened by the sins of clergy.

The paramount concern of the Diocese of Down and Connor is the safety and welfare of children. The Cloyne Report reinforces the necessity for the coherent application of robust and transparent child safeguarding procedures. The Diocese is committed to the rigorous implementation of the guidelines of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church and to the fullest co-operation by our well trained and professionally staffed office with police, social services and other statutory agencies.

Although much has been done to advance safeguarding and many trained volunteers are now working very effectively in our parishes, we still have a way to travel to regain the full trust of the people, but I hope and pray that by our actions and humility we can continue the healing process to ease the pain that survivors of abuse by clergy continue to endure on a daily basis.